Screened at Cannes

A prince from a foreign land, visiting Japan incognito, encounters a woman from Kumamoto living a life in stark contrast to his own. 'Prince Ariel and the Watcher,' depicting their three-day escape, is set for release.

Director Yūsuke Inaba is a rising star among young filmmakers, highly regarded at international film festivals. His debut film, 'You and Mom and Cowboy,' received the highest praise from Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the Cannes Palme d'Or-winning director from Thailand, who called it 'one of the highlights of my 2010 cinematic experience.'



The role of Prince Ariel is played by Chanon Santinatornkul, a musician active in Thailand, who was cast through an audition. Emiko Iizawa, active in film and theater, plays the woman tasked with guiding him as his watcher.

Furthermore, 'Prince Ariel and the Watcher' involved a Thai film crew and was shot in Kumamoto. It was also screened at the Cannes Film Market in May.

Who is the Watcher for the Prince Visiting Kumamoto Incognito?

Prince Ariel of the Kingdom of Rubert and his attendant Chris visit a hotel in Kumamoto, managed by Hideo, an old friend of Ariel's father, for a secret holiday. Constantly under the pressure of succession, Ariel uses this vacation as an excuse to experience 'freedom.' He wanders off immediately upon arrival, only to be quickly found by Chris.

While demanding that Ariel behave with royal decorum, Chris, who understands his feelings, devises a plan and asks Hideo to find a publicly approved companion for Ariel as his watcher.

'Prince Ariel and the Watcher' is a collaboration between notable creators from Japan and Thailand. Against the backdrop of Kumamoto—a place rich in history, yet fashionable, artistic, and embracing vast nature—a unique visual beauty unfolds.



'Prince Ariel and the Watcher'
Opening Saturday, July 11th, at Eurospace Shibuya and other theaters
Director | Yūsuke Inaba
Starring | Chanon Santinatornkul, Emiko Iizawa, Shugo Oshinari, Serina Wiseman, Eri Ishida, Takato Kitamoto, Tomokazu Enomoto, Yoshino Ohnishi, Keisuke Shinohara
Distribution | Kirinji
2015 / Japan-Thailand / 70 min
http://handintheglove.jp